Print

Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Peanut Lime Dressing

crunchy asian chicken salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and satisfying salad featuring crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a zesty peanut lime dressing that balances tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements for a perfect meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped scallions
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (toasted if possible)
  • ½ cup crispy wonton strips or fried noodles (optional)
  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce
  • Water to thin dressing as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by shredding or chopping cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season with salt and pepper and pan-sear over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before shredding.
  2. Shred green and purple cabbage finely. Julienne or shred the carrot. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and chop scallions. Toss all vegetables in a large bowl.
  3. Toast peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Cool and roughly chop.
  4. Make the dressing by whisking together peanut butter, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a medium bowl. Add water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired pourable but creamy consistency.
  5. Add shredded chicken to the vegetable mix. Pour half the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Sprinkle toasted peanuts and crispy wonton strips (if using) on top just before serving to maintain crunch.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more dressing, lime juice, or salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to keep cabbage crunchy. Toast peanuts for enhanced flavor. Use fresh lime juice for best taste. Add crispy toppings just before serving to avoid sogginess. Prep veggies and dressing ahead to save time. Adjust sriracha to preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian chicken salad, peanut lime dressing, crunchy salad, healthy lunch, quick dinner, rotisserie chicken salad, peanut butter dressing

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/crunchy-asian-chicken-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-peanut-lime-dressing/